The Elementiels

The dragon lumbered forward, its talons gouging deep trenches in the earth as its glowing amber eyes locked onto Jason. Cannon fire erupted from the nearby battlements, shaking the ground with their thunderous blasts.

Smoke and fire swirled around the beast, momentarily drawing its attention. Yet Jason remained rooted to the spot, paralyzed by fear, his breath coming in shallow gasps. 

"Jason!" Grandpa Mark's firm hand clapped him on the back, shaking him out of his stupor. "You have to focus!" 

Jason's lips trembled as he shook his head. "I can't do it, Grandpa. I… I can't." His voice was a whisper, raw with terror. 

Grandpa Mark's grip tightened, his weathered face fierce with determination. "Yes, you can, my son! You must! The kingdom needs you now more than ever!" 

"But you said I wasn't ready." Jason stammered, his gaze darting back to the advancing dragon. 

Mark's eyes softened briefly, but his voice remained resolute. "Forget what I said. The truth is, no one is ever truly ready. But you… you are the only one who can stop this beast!" 

The old man took Jason's trembling hands in his own, his gaze burning with unshakable belief. "Listen to me. Everything we've trained for, every lesson you've learned—it has all led to this moment. You don't have to be perfect. You just have to rise." 

Jason swallowed hard, Mark's words cutting through the fog of fear clouding his mind. Slowly, he stood, his knees still shaky but his resolve hardening. He nodded at his grandfather.

The dragon roared, a sound that seemed to tear the heavens, as knights desperately unleashed a new volley of explosives. Fire and smoke filled the battlefield, but the beast retaliated with a devastating bolt of lightning that reduced the cannons to molten ruins. 

"We're doomed!" One knight shouted, his voice cracking with despair. 

Suddenly, a blur of motion streaked past the knights. Jason, faster than the eye could follow, scooped them out of harm's way just as another bolt obliterated the spot where they stood. He placed them safely behind the barricades before striding back toward the dragon, his gaze fixed and unyielding. 

Jason stopped a few paces away, his eyes locking onto the creature's. He clenched his fists, flames licking up his forearms. "Let's try this again, shall we?" 

The dragon snarled, a spark of irritation flickering in its gaze. It unleashed a torrent of lightning, the bolts crackling through the air with deadly precision. Jason moved like a phantom, weaving through the attacks effortlessly. Each step he took was faster, more fluid. 

Fire erupted from Jason's palms, a torrent of searing heat that struck the dragon's back. The beast let out a screech of pain, smoke rising from its scorched scales.

Jason pressed the advantage, darting forward and grabbing its massive tail with both hands. Muscles straining, he heaved the dragon off balance and slammed it into the ground with a deafening crash. 

The earth trembled beneath their feet as the dragon scrambled back up, its eyes blazing with fury. It swung its tail at Jason and sent him through more buildings.

Jason struggled to his feet amidst the chaos, dust and ash swirling through the air like a storm. His ears rang with the cries of the wounded and the deafening groan of collapsing buildings. Then, cutting through the noise, a piercing cry reached him.

"Mummy! Mummy!"

Jason's head snapped toward the sound. A young girl stood frozen in fear, her small hands trembling as tears streamed down her soot-streaked cheeks. Behind her, the remnants of a crumbling building groaned ominously, the structure on the verge of collapse.

Without hesitation, he sprinted toward her. "Hey! Hold on!" he shouted, his voice urgent yet steady.

The moment he reached her, the building gave way with a deafening roar. Jason threw himself over her, shielding her tiny frame with his body as the rubble crashed down around them.

When the dust finally began to settle, Jason opened his eyes, coughing as he carefully lifted his head. The girl was clutching his tunic, her face buried against his chest, sobbing uncontrollably. Jason gently placed a hand on her head, his voice soft but firm.

"Hey, hey… look at me." He said, tilting her chin up so their eyes met. "It's okay. You're safe now. I promise, everything's going to be alright."

Her wide, tear-filled eyes searched his face for reassurance. Slowly, her sobs quieted, and a fragile smile began to emerge, a glimmer of hope cutting through her fear.

Jason stood, cradling her in his arms as though she were the most precious thing in the world. His legs felt weak, but he pushed forward, weaving through the rubble-strewn street until he found a knight directing survivors to safety.

"Here!" Jason said, his voice firm as he passed the girl into the knight's waiting arms. "Make sure she's safe."

The knight looked at Jason with something between awe and gratitude, nodding solemnly. "We will. Thank you."

As the knight carried the girl away, she turned to look at Jason one last time, her small hand reaching out as if to cling to the person who had saved her. Jason gave her a faint smile before turning back to the chaos.

He jumps back towards the beast but its body began to glow with an ominous blue light, arcs of lightning dancing along its scales. The air itself seemed to hum with energy as the creature charged its most devastating attack. 

The lightning surged forth in a blinding flash, a strike meant to annihilate. Jason didn't move. The blast struck him head-on, engulfing him in a storm of energy that shook the battlefield. 

When the smoke cleared, Jason stood unscathed. His body crackled with absorbed energy, bolts of lightning dancing across his frame. His eyes blazed a brilliant red, his face contorted in controlled rage. 

The dragon hesitated, its massive form trembling. For the first time, there was fear in its eyes. It spread its colossal wings, attempting to flee. 

Jason leapt into the air, impossibly high, and landed on the beast's back. The dragon thrashed and rolled, trying to dislodge him, but Jason clung on with unrelenting determination. Step by step, he climbed toward the creature's head. 

The dragon opened its maw, preparing another blast, but Jason raised his hands, fire roaring from his fingertips. He aimed for the gaping mouth and unleashed a concentrated inferno. Flames poured down the beast's throat, scorching its insides. 

The dragon let out one final, earsplitting roar before its body convulsed and plummeted from the sky. The massive carcass slammed into the ground, flattening buildings in its path and shaking the kingdom to its core. 

The battlefield fell silent, the only sound the crackle of lingering flames. Knights cautiously approached the fallen beast, weapons drawn. 

"Is it… dead?" one knight asked, his voice barely above a whisper. 

Jason emerged from beneath the dragon's lifeless body, his clothes tattered but his posture proud. The knights immediately surrounded him, their blades leveled. 

"Who—what are you?" The captain demanded, his tone sharp with suspicion. 

Jason raised his hands "Wait! I mean no harm!" He slowly knelt, showing his submission. 

The murmurs of the crowd grew louder as the citizens gathered, some recognizing him. "Wait… isn't that Jason?" 

Grandpa Mark pushed through the throng, falling to his knees beside his grandson. "Please, sir." He pleaded with the captain, his voice filled with desperation. "He's my grandson. He meant no harm. He saved us all!" 

The captain's gaze flickered between the old man and Jason, his expression unreadable. Finally, he barked an order. "Take them both. We need answers." 

As the knights hauled Jason and Mark away, others remained behind to assess the damage. Two knights stared at the dragon's massive corpse, its charred scales still smoldering. 

"How did that kid do this?" one asked, his voice laced with disbelief. 

The other shook his head. "I don't know. But we'll find out soon enough." 

A few hours later, Jason and Grandpa Mark were escorted into the castle, flanked by armed guards. Their footsteps echoed in the vast stone hallways as they were led to a grand chamber. The room was dominated by a round table of polished oak, surrounded by six ornate chairs. Tall windows lined the walls, casting long shadows under the flickering torchlight.

The heavy doors creaked open, and the counselors began to file in one by one, their robes flowing like rivers of authority. Each took their seat with solemn precision. Finally, Counselor Charles, rose to address the room.

"The King will join us shortly," he announced, his voice smooth but edged with authority. "While we wait, let us discuss the matter at hand. Once His Majesty arrives, he will deliver the final verdict."

A captain of the guard stepped forward. Bowing slightly, he spoke. "We are honored to stand before the Great Counselors of the realm. The kingdom was attacked by a dragon mere hours ago. A beast of such ferocity that our finest knights were powerless to stop. Yet, against all odds, this boy…" He gestured toward Jason. "slew the creature single-handedly."

Gasps rippled through the room. Counselor Charles narrowed his eyes, intrigued. "Step forward, child."

Jason hesitated, glancing at Grandpa Mark. The old man gave him a reassuring nod, his weathered face calm despite the tension. Drawing a deep breath, Jason stepped forward.

"Tell us your name." Counselor Charles demanded.

"My name… is Jason," he said, his voice steady but laced with uncertainty. He paused before adding, "Jason Marquoid."

"Jason Marquoid. How does a boy your age accomplish what seasoned warriors could not? How did you slay a dragon?"

Jason's fists clenched as he gathered the courage to respond. "Because I am… an Elementiel!"

The room erupted into chaos. Shocked voices overlapped, counselors and knights alike exchanging stunned exclamations.

"An Elementiel?" 

"This cannot be!" 

"Impossible!"

Grandpa Mark stepped forward, his voice cutting through the din. "Yes. My grandson is the Fire Elementiel. He used his power to save our kingdom."

Counselor Hilda, a severe woman with piercing eyes, turned her gaze on Mark. "This revelation is… fascinating. However, if your grandson has harbored such power, why has he not come to the kingdom's aid before now? We have faced peril many times."

Mark straightened, his tone firm but respectful. "I only revealed the truth to him recently. Jason is still learning to control his abilities."

Counselor Richard scoffed. "So, let me understand. You've known about this power and kept it hidden? How dare you make that kind of decision?!"

"I made that decision for my grandson." Mark retorted. "I wanted him to live a normal life, free from the burdens such power brings."

Richard slammed a fist on the table. "Normal life? While our people suffered?! While our soldiers died?!"

Jason stepped forward, his face flushed with anger. "Leave him alone! My grandfather did what he thought was best. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have been able to stop the dragon!"

Richard turned his sharp gaze to Jason. "And yet, boy, your recklessness caused great damage to the kingdom. Lives were lost because of your… inexperience."

"I didn't mean to…" Jason stammered, his voice breaking with guilt.

The doors to the chamber swung open, and all eyes turned as King Arthur entered. His presence silenced the room.

The counselors stood and bowed. "Your Majesty, we are honored by your presence!"

Arthur took his seat at the head of the table and surveyed the room. "Forgive me for arriving late. Now, what is the matter before us?"

Counselor Richard wasted no time. "Your Majesty, this boy is an Elementiel. He possesses powers of the gods themselves. Power that could have saved countless lives, but it was hidden from us by this… old man!"

Jason stepped forward, his voice trembling but resolute. "Your Majesty, my grandfather only wanted to protect me. He didn't mean for any of this to happen."

The king's eyes narrowed as he studied the boy. "Marquoid," he murmured. "Your name… Was your father Daniel Marquoid?"

Jason blinked, surprised. "Yes, Your Majesty. That was my father's name."

Arthur leaned back, stroking his beard thoughtfully. "I see."

Counselor Hilda broke the silence. "Your Grace, what do you propose? The boy's power is immense, but it has caused harm."

The king turned his gaze to Jason, his expression softening. "The damage to our city is great, and the loss of lives were tragic. But without this boy's intervention, the devastation would have been far worse."

He turned to Mark. "You will continue to train him, Mr. Marquoid. He must learn to harness his abilities—not just for our kingdom but for the world."

Mark bowed deeply. "As you command, Your Majesty."

Counselor Richard bristled. "Your Majesty, this man must be punished for his action!"

Arthur raised a hand, silencing him. "His decision, while flawed, was made out of love. That is not a crime." He glanced at the counselors. "Do any of you object to this course of action?"

Counselor Charles nodded thoughtfully. "The boy is inexperienced, but his potential is undeniable. If trained properly, he could be a great asset."

Hilda hesitated, then spoke. "I agree. The kingdom needs every advantage it can muster."

Arthur smiled faintly. "Then it is settled. This meeting is adjourned."

As Jason and Mark made their way out of the castle, the king stopped them at the door. "Jason," he said, his voice softer now, "do not let today's events burden you. Your power is a gift, though many will see it as a threat. Tomorrow, come back to the castle. We have much to discuss."

Mark nodded. "We'll be here, Your Majesty."

As they walked through the city, Jason's heart grew heavy. He saw the rubble, the burnt homes, and the grieving faces of those who had lost loved ones. Regret gnawed at him, but Mark placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"Great power comes with great trials, Jason." He said gently. "What matters is how you rise from them."

Jason nodded, though the weight of his responsibility settled heavily on his young shoulders.